49ers 53-man roster projection 6.0: Preseason dress rehearsal edition

The 49ers’ starters finally got rolling in their third preseason game Sunday in Minnesota. They hit halftime up 14-0 thanks to consecutive scoring drives and a hot start from Brian Hoyer to open the game. Rookie Reuben Foster led the defense with eight tackles and looked as explosive as he’s been in a red and gold uniform.

But the battle for roster spots remains ongoing heading into the final exhibition tilt Thursday against the Chargers. San Francisco will have to trim the roster to 53 by Saturday afternoon and spots at the back end of the roster still appear unsettled.

Let’s try to project the 53-man roster with three preseason games in the books, shall we?

Quarterback (3)

(Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Brian HoyerC.J. BeathardMatt Barkley

Cut: Nick Mullens

–The battle to back up Hoyer took a foggy turn Sunday with Beathard’s least inspiring performance of the exhibition season. He completed 7-of-13 for 159 yards with a touchdown and interception. Eighty-seven of his yards passing came on the screen Raheem Mostert took the length of the field for his first of two scores. Beathard missed at least three throws high, including a wide-open George Kittle. Regardless of Sunday, it appears the 49ers are going to keep three quarterbacks. It’s the order of the depth chart that remains in question.

Running back (4)

Carlos HydeMatt Breida Joe WilliamsRaheem Mostert

Cut: Tim Hightower, Kapri Bibbs

–The change here from last week is giving the nod to Mostert over Hightower, the veteran free agent addition. But it’s not because of what Mostert’s done on offense through three preseason games, although he’s been impressive. Mostert makes the team because of his work on special teams. He was one of the most-used gunners Sunday with Aaron Burbridge on the shelf with a hamstring injury. On offense, Mostert’s averaging 6.1 yards per carry against back ups. Hightower only played two snaps Sunday, and they came on special teams.

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